At NMU, Learning is Evergreen
Evergreen Launch Events
The Division of Extended Learning and Community Engagement warmly invites you to mark your calendars for September 9 & 10 as we gather to learn and work together on the implementation of the NMU Evergreen initiative.
Rooted in Northern’s spirit and tradition, NMU’s Evergreen model is our enduring commitment to lifelong learning for students, alumni, and the community. We provide flexible, ongoing educational options, career pathways, and tailored resources for the long haul. Attendees will leave equipped to champion lifelong learning and support NMU students long after their final exams.
Mark Your Calendars
Evergreen Launch: September 9 & 10
Education isn’t confined to one season of life. It is something you can return to and build on. That idea guides NMU Evergreen’s range of degree, certificate and continuing education programs. From career-focused workforce training to online degrees and international study opportunities, we meet you where you are.
Bring Your Drive.
Build Your Future.
Different Backgrounds.
One Supportive Community.
NMU Evergreen supports lifelong learning in a community built for learners with different experiences and goals. Here are a few common examples.
The Degree Completer
You earned credits at NMU but stepped away before finishing. Now you have work experience and want to complete a degree that powers your next career move. NMU Evergreen helps you pick up where you left off with flexible options that fit your schedule.
The Transfer Finisher
After taking classes at different institutions, you want to consolidate your credits at a university that recognizes what you’ve completed and applies your coursework toward graduation. NMU Evergreen works to maximize transfer credit so you can focus on what’s left, not what you’ve already done.
The Flexible Learner
Whether you’re coming straight from high school or balancing work and family, you’re ready to earn a degree while staying close to home. NMU online programs make it possible for you to move forward without relocating or rearranging your life.
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Sarah Hagle
Sarah took a break from her post-secondary education to focus on her family. She ultimately took an interest in cybersecurity as a growing career. She became acquainted with the U.P. Cybersecurity Institute at NMU and ultimately achieved several industry-endorsed credentials. Sarah decided to pursue her degree in Industry Assurance and Cyber Defense and graduated in 2024. Along her academic journey at NMU, she interned with industry partner Northcross Group, which opened a satellite office in Marquette in 2020. Sarah now works at Northcross Group’s Marquette office as a Cybersecurity and Program Analyst and recently achieved her M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University. She has been a regular collaborator with NMU cyber initiatives, including as a guest speaker and mentor to K-12 career exploration events like YooperCon.
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Rachel Raak
Rachel came to NMU to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Workplace Leadership after achieving her Associate’s at Grand Rapids Community College. Drawn to the U.P. based on her love of outdoor recreational pursuits, she ultimately enrolled in NMU’s Master’s program in Outdoor Recreation and Administration as part of the NMU Rural Leadership Fellowship Program. Through her fellowship she was paired with the Village of Laurium to support the development of a five-year recreation plan. This project was a major priority for the village and will help to enable public funding eligibility to transform public park and recreation sites, such as the Gipp Ice Arena, ball fields, and other public recreation access areas. Rachel completed her Master’s in December, 2025 and is still employed with LSCP while also supporting other community development projects, such as Forsyth.
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Jessica Wood
An Ishpeming native, Jess completed her degree at Northern and set off to Hawaii for a career as a professional photographer. After returning to Marquette, Jess continued a successful wedding photography business while bartending. She ultimately reignited her passion for veterinary medicine and re-attended NMU to bolster her application. She is now a second-year student at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and plans to return to the U.P. to practice after graduation.
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P.J. Britz
With a laser focus on a career in the ski industry, P.J. attended Gogebic Community College to achieve his Associate’s Degree in Ski Area Management. After spending some time working at resorts out west, he enrolled at Northern to complete his bachelor’s degree in SAM and is now a successful sales manager for TechnoAlpin, a global leader in snowmaking technology.
